The Toyota LandCruiser LC79 is a ute, but a very different kind of ute to the ones setting the sales charts on fire. MOST UTES on today's market are independent-front end, leaf rear and follow much the same design criteria. That's Hilux, Ranger, D-MAX, Triton and the rest, which we'll call "mainstream utes". There are a few standouts though, such as the heavy-duty RAM Laramie (full offroad and tow test here), Mercedes G-Class and of course Toyota's LC79. Read on to find out why the LC79 is different to the "normal utes": 1. Manual DPF It has a DPF, but there's also a gauge to tell you how full it is, and you can manually burn it off at will if the car is set up by the dealer. More on that here. The other utes also have DPFs, but no gauge, and no manual burn. WIN: LC79. 2. Twin lockers Twin cross-axle difflocks are standard on the GXL. The others have just a rear locker, if that. And no, brake traction control on the LC79 doesn't work on the front axle when the rear locker is engaged. This means the LC79 can crawl where others have to use momentum. WIN: LC79 3. Hubs The LC79 has automatic/manual hubs. The other utes don't have any form of auto or manual hubs. However, it would be better for the LC79 to have proper free/manual hubs as explained here. WIN: LC79. 4. Transfer case The LC79 has a transfer case lever. This is better than a button or switch as it's more a direct, mechanical action so more reliable. And, more satisfying to use. WIN: LC79 5. Carrying capacity The sum of the front and rear axle loads is over 400kg more than the GVM. Most other utes are between 100 and 200kg. The LC79 is a heavier-duty unit that is better able to handle load. And its GCM is the same as the sum of it GVM and max towing capacity. WIN: LC79 6. Brakes It has disc brakes front and rear. Most utes are drum rear. Disc brakes are far superior to drums as they don't clog up with dirt or mud, and are much better at dissipating heat. WIN: LC79 7. Axles Live axles, front and rear. The others are just live rear. DRAW: live axles are good offroad, but not onroad. 8. Transmission The LC79 offers only a 5-speed manual. The others are usually 6-speed autos. WIN: Mainstream utes. At the very least there should be a six-speed manual. OPTION: fit an automatic conversion, albeit at a cost, or fit an overdrive. 9. Engine size The LC79 runs a 4.5L V8. The others 4 to 6 cylinder engines of between 2 and 3.2L. WIN OR LOSE? your choice. For many, the engine size is a drawcard. In reality, with today's tech there's no need to use a 4.5L engine to get only 150kW and 440Nm. All it does is waste fuel. It doesn't drive any better, or offer any better performance, onroad or offroad. 10. Safety Only the single cab LC79 is 5-star rated. The rest...forget it. You will be far more likely not to spend your time in a hospital if you crash one of the other utes which are all 5-star rated. WIN: mainstream utes 11. Comfort The LC70 series now offers cruise control, Bluetooth and central locking on GXL grades. But there's no electric mirrors, it's harsh and noisy, no courtesy lights, no split aircon (aircon is an option), no sunvisor mirror, one cupholder...I'll stop now because either you've spat your designer coffee out in disgust, or swallowed your Bundy with satisfaction. WIN: mainstream utes The bottom line The LC79 is a heavy-duty workhorse ute that doesn't offer the safety and comfort of the other utes. What you do get is solid reliability and capability. Your choice. Further reading Why I switched from a Discovery 3 to a LC79 2017 Toyota LandCruiser LC79 onroad and offroad review How hot does the DPF get on an LC79? Why Toyota is wrong about the LC79's hubs. 2017 ASV Ram 2500 Laramie Review
